US 12556233 B1Patent grantUnited States

Streamlined RIS Control for 6G Networks

Official patent title

System for reducing duplicate signaling in a wireless network

Arabic title: نظام لتقليل الإشارات المكررة في شبكة لاسلكية

Invention

Problem

Separate control of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) beamforming and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) can duplicate signaling procedures, message flows, and resource use in advanced wireless networks.

Why it matters

Coordinated control is important for scalable sixth-generation and non-terrestrial networks, where MIMO and RIS may operate together to extend coverage and maintain links across terrestrial and satellite paths.

Approach

The system places an RIS between a transmitter and receiver and uses one RIS configuration allowance parameter carried in a Master Information Block message to control both RIS element phase shifts and MIMO beamforming. Additional signaling elements can coordinate timing and configuration across terrestrial and non-terrestrial components.

Who may benefit

Potential beneficiaries include wireless and satellite network operators, radio-access equipment vendors, RIS controller developers, and users who require resilient connectivity in remote, obstructed, or underserved locations.

Potential value

A shared signaling parameter provides a unified coordination point for MIMO and RIS operations, with the aim of reducing redundant control exchanges while supporting multiple connection modes and blockage-response behavior.

Background

Emerging 6G and beyond-6G architectures combine MIMO, RIS, and non-terrestrial networks to improve coverage and manage radio propagation. MIMO controls beams through multiple antennas, while RIS redirects electromagnetic waves through configurable reflecting elements. When multi-user MIMO and multi-user RIS are managed independently, each may require its own control messages and beam procedures. The patent identifies duplicated signaling, redundant message flows, resource consumption, and scalability concerns as the resulting limitations.

Technology overview

The claimed architecture combines an RIS, passive reflecting elements, control circuitry, MIMO transmitters, and user equipment. The controller decodes a configuration allowance parameter from a Master Information Block and applies it to RIS phase adjustment and MIMO beamforming. Embodiments also use SIB19 and SIB31 information, monitor link quality, coordinate terrestrial and non-terrestrial resources, and switch connection configurations when signal paths are blocked.

Potential applications

Coordinated MIMO and RIS control in 6G and beyond-6G radio-access networks.
Satellite and non-terrestrial links integrated with terrestrial network infrastructure.
Connectivity management where buildings or other obstacles intermittently block signal paths.
Multi-user beam and reflecting-surface management with reduced duplicate control procedures.

Evidence-supported advantages

One configuration parameter coordinates both MIMO beamforming and RIS phase shifts.
The architecture is directed at reducing redundant signaling procedures and message flows.
Multiple terrestrial and non-terrestrial assistance modes can be coordinated within one system.
Connection configurations can be switched in response to detected blockage or signal degradation.

Development stage

The patent describes a system architecture, signaling procedures, and operating scenarios; prototype implementation and network deployment were not independently verified.

Commercial opportunity

Potential opportunities include licensing the signaling and control architecture to radio-access, satellite-network, RIS-controller, and user-equipment vendors developing 6G or non-terrestrial systems. Adoption would require standards alignment, interoperability testing, hardware integration, and independent performance validation.

Patent classifications

WIPO IPC

H04B7/04Transmission
H04B7/0413Transmission

CPC

H04B7/04013Transmission
H04B7/0413Transmission
H04B7/18513Transmission
H04L5/0048Transmission of digital information, e.g. telegraphic communication

Inventors

First inventorMohamad A. Alawad

Keywords

6G
reconfigurable intelligent surface
MIMO
non-terrestrial network
beamforming
signaling overhead
satellite communications
blockage management

Patent document and drawings

The patent publication is mapped to this record. Patent drawings remain within that publication; no separately cleared public media package has been supplied.